Atin Ito, a coalition of organizations and individuals who are asserting Philippine rights over the West Philippine Sea, said May 17 the flotilla it organized to Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales was “a success.”
Rafaela David, president of Akbayan Party and co-convenor of Atin Ito said they were able to accomplish the three objectives they set out to do when they left Masinloc May 14. First, they conducted a solidarity and peace regatta of 100 small fishing boats within the Philippine 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone; placed symbolic markers within the West Philippine Sea, the area claimed by the Philippines in South China Sea; and distributed essential supplies, including fuel and food packs, to Filipino fishers operating in the area. A total of 6,000 liters of fuel and a thousand food packs were distributed to 670 fishers.
They were able to accomplish all these under the intimidating presence of China Coast Guard, which has maintained its presence in the area since April 2012.
Bajo de Masinloc, 124 nautical miles off the shores of Zambales in the northwestern part of the Philippines, is also being claimed by China under its all-encompassing 10 dash-line map.
We were a determined and enthusiastic group- fishermen, journalists, members of the religious, activists- in four big boats and 100 small bancas. We left Masinloc past 7 o’clock in the morning of May 14.
We dropped the symbolic markers after five hours of choppy ride, a bit rough for many of us who are not natives to the sea but normal to the fishermen who ply the sea route every day.
We continued with the voyage and met up with the fishermen in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc, some 70 nautical miles from the Masinloc shores. It was past midnight.
Although sleep-deprived, it was a happy and memorable trip. We had a glimpse of the richness of the sea when our fishermen- companions cast their net and came up with a substantial catch. We had the freshest fish for meals during the trip.
For bonus, we were treated to a stunning sunset. Atin Ito!
Photos and video by Bullit Marquez
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